“In Canada today we enjoy significant freedoms that the majority of LGBTQ people around the world are still denied. Freedoms like the right to housing, the right to employment, and the freedom to live life without fear of persecution, being jailed, or worse. People are not asking for special treatment, what they are asking is that their humanity be recognized.

With the recent legislative move made by Russia to deny these basic and fundamental human rights it is a clear demonstration that our rights are tenuous, that they can and will be taken away if we do not stand vigilant in our efforts. This not only applies to the LGBTQ community, but to all people around the world. Russian leadership has taken a stand against the Queer community at a time when the world has started to shift and greater equality is being realized around the world. As a host nation of the world’s sporting event, the Olympics, I have to question any countries continued support of the 2014 Olympics that recognizes equal rights for the LGBTQ Community. Mankind should be the priority, not medals.

As we have seen today, even Pope Francis has made a clear statement regarding his position on the rights of LGBT people. His statement that ‘We should not marginalize people’ and ‘They must be integrated into society’ is a definitive statement that even a 2000 year old institution with a history of anti-LGBT rhetoric is realizing the folly of the denial of basic human rights dues to orientation. This is the right thing to do, and here is an international spiritual leader that has recognized and done just that – the right thing.”

On October 03, 2013 at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the Q Hall of Fame Canada will be recognizing seven outstanding Canadians who have made a lasting contribution to human rights not just in Canada, but around the world. The 2013 inductees who join such luminaries as Pierre Elliott Trudeau, k.d. lang, Mark Tewksbury and others are:

Jack Layton (1950 - 2011) - One of the first politicians to openly support the LGBT Community in Canada. Layton served as the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada from 2003 until 2011.

Jane Rule (1931 - 2007) - Author and activist, Rule is widely recognized as leading the way for other LGBT Authors.

Barbara Snelgrove - Barb is a writer and well known community activist throughout British Columbia.

Marie Robertson - A long time activist and counselor, Marie has been referred to as "Ontario's first lady of queer liberation".

Reverend Brent Hawkes - The reverend is known internationally for his work for the LGBT Community and performed the first gay marriage in Canada after the legislation passed.

Harold Demarais - An active community organizer since 1970 he has taken a leading role in numerous LGBT organizations.

Darrin Hagen - An activist, performance artist and co-founder of one of North America's most successful cross dressing theatre groups.

Q Ball will be held Thursday, October 03rd from 6:30pm to 11:30pm at the Toronto Region Board of Trade in Toronto. For more info and tickets, visit www.qhalloffame.ca

Paul Therien, Chairperson for Q Ball and the founder of the Q Hall of Fame or Loretto Turner, Co-chair will be available for interviews.